Suspected Armed Car Theft Suspect Killed in Police Shootout

A suspected armed car theft suspect was shot dead following a dramatic shootout with police in the Muigai Inn area of Juja after a high-speed chase along the busy Thika Superhighway.

According to police, the deceased was identified as George Wanjohi Kimani, 55, whom they described as a notorious and seasoned car theft suspect linked to several ongoing investigations.

The incident began when officers intercepted a suspected stolen Toyota Vitz at a Shell petrol station along Thika Road in Juja. Instead of surrendering, the driver allegedly sped off, triggering a high-speed pursuit that stretched for several kilometres.

The officers fired at the vehicle's tyres in an attempt to stop it. Despite the damaged tyres, the suspect reportedly continued driving on the vehicle's rims for nearly three kilometres towards Muigai Inn area in Juja Farm. The chase came to a dramatic end when the suspect started exchanging gunfire with pursuing officers, leading to a shootout in which he was fatally shot.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a mini-pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Police said the firearm is commonly associated with close-range criminal activity because of its compact and easily concealable design.

Juja Sub-county Police Commander Isaac Kombo confirmed the incident, revealing that the vehicle was fitted with registration number KBU 988E, which investigators believe belongs to a different vehicle.

“The registration plates found on the vehicle are suspected to belong to another vehicle. We are conducting chassis number verification to establish the car's true identity and ownership,” Kombo said.

He added that preliminary investigations indicate the deceased had previously been identified as a person of interest in ongoing investigations into an organised vehicle theft syndicate being pursued by a multi-agency security team.

“The suspect had been on our radar as part of ongoing investigations into a wider car theft network. Investigations are continuing to establish possible links with other suspects,” he added.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending forensic examination and formal identification procedures as detectives continue investigating the incident and the suspected vehicle theft syndicate.